Hot-hitting Bobby Witt Jr. will be looking to extend his 12-game hitting streak as the Kansas City Royals (-125) match up against the Cleveland Guardians (+105) at Progressive Field on Saturday. The early total has been set at 7.5 runs. The Guardians (89-68) took Friday’s series opener 6-3, their ninth head-to-head victory in 14 games this season. Aaron Civale got the win, giving up three runs (2 ER) on three hits over six innings, and Emmanuel Clase picked up his 40th save with a scoreless ninth. Jose Ramirez went 1 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs in the win. Michael Massey was 1 for 3 with a home run and two runs for the Royals (63-94). Drew Waters added a home run and two RBIs.
ON THE MOUND
Kris Bubic (2-13, 5.81 ERA) is set to start for Kansas City. The LHP allowed three runs over 4.2 innings in his last start, a 6-5 road defeat against the Mariners on September 24. He yielded five hits while striking out six and walking four in the no-decision. Over two previous starts against the Guardians this season, Bubic has allowed eight earned runs over seven innings (0-2, 10.29). He has struck out four and walked three.For Cleveland, right-hander Zach Plesac (3-11, 4.43 ERA) is on the mound. He has made three appearances against the Royals this season, all starts, giving up five runs over 16.2 innings (0-1, 2.70) with 13 strikeouts and one walk.In his last start on August 27, Plesac got the win on the road against the Mariners. He threw seven innings and gave up three runs on three hits, striking out six, in the 4-3 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Kansas City has averaged 4.6 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 3.9. Against righties like Plesac this season, the Royals have a .677 OPS. Witt Jr. is the team’s best hitter against right-handers with a .734 OPS in 431 at-bats. Cleveland is averaging 5.0 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.3 for the season. The Guardians have a .644 OPS against left-handers in 2022, third lowest in MLB. With a .886 OPS over 108 at-bats, Andres Gimenez has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Kansas City is on a five-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 24-52 in 2022. The Royals have scored 3.7 runs per game away from home, while allowing 5.1 runs. Cleveland has won three in a row in front of their home fans. The Guardians are 43-33 at home this season, averaging 4.0 runs per game while surrendering 3.9. In the last 10 games between the AL Central rivals at Progressive Field, Cleveland is 8-2 with an average scoreline of 5.7-3.1.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Guardians lead the AL Central by 11 games over the White Sox. The Royals are fifth in the AL Central, 26 games behind the Guardians.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Cleveland Guardians (-200)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
